How Do You Follow A Defense In Football By Watching The Safeties?
As offenses break out of huddles and line up in various formations, the defensive safeties have the best idea of what’s coming in their direction. Look for the safeties on the defensive side of the ball when the teams come to the line. The safeties are the two players lined up in the center of the defense, farthest away from the line of scrimmage. Watch to see which side of the field the “strong safety” lines up on. The strong safety moves to the same side of the field as the offensive tight end, or lines up opposite to the second receiver. Note how far off the line the strong safety is. If he inches up close, the defense thinks a run will be coming to that side – the strong side. If he lines up deeper – say 5 to 7 yards back – the defense is preparing for a pass play. Now look at the free safety. He is the other player lined up in the deep center of the defense. His job is to roam the backfield or play like a centerfielder, covering a lot of ground to keep receivers from coming into t
